Definition of kindle

The word "kindle" originated in Middle English around the 1300s, derived from the Old English word cyndel, meaning "spark" or "firebrand." The initial spelling of the word was cynydel or cynyldel, and it was commonly used to refer to a lighted torch, candle, or piece of wood used to start a fire. Over time, the meaning of "kindle" evolved to apply not just to the physical act of lighting a fire but also to other forms of ignition or inspiration. By the 1500s, the word had come to mean "to set ablaze" or "to put in mind or emotions," referring to the spontaneous flame or passion that can be ignited in individuals. The modern definition of "kindle" has further expanded, encompassing the sense of "to arouse an emotion" or "to stimulate interest or thought," as in the phrase "kindling a desire to learn." Today, the word is commonly associated with devices like Kindles, e-readers that use an electronic ink display to produce a paper-like reading experience while allowing users to adjust font size and lighting. However, the connection between this contemporary usage and the ancient origins of the word highlights the enduring power of language to evolve and cross dimensions of meaning over time.